UPDATE ISSN 2158-124X Spring 2011 Vol. 11, No. 1 P.O. Box 205, Pennsville, NJ 08070 • 302-514-3179 • www.sfmanj.org • e-mail: [email protected]

SFMANJ Spring Field Day 2011 Torpey Torpey Athletic Complex of the Athletic Complex Field & TD Bank Ballpark, Bridgewater, NJ Wins SFMANJ Wednesday, April 20, 2011 Torpey Athletic Complex Field of the Year for 2010 Bridgewater, NJ By Scott Bills, CSFM 7:00 • Vendor Registration & Set-up 7:30 • Attendee Registration, Trade Sports Field Managers Association of (SFMANJ) received two applications for Show Open, Coffee & Donuts 2010 Field of the Year. 8:45 • Opening Remarks • Baseball Field Post Game Repair The entrants included the Somerset County Park Commission, Torpey Athletic Complex, Demonstration Baseball Field, Bridgewater, NJ from David Kuscynski; and Cinnaminson School District, Dave Kuczynski, Somerset Cinnaminson High School, Varsity Soccer Field from Jeff Schofield. County Parks • Soil Sampling Procedures and After personal interviews and visits to each field, the SFMANJ Board of Directors chose Report Interpretation Torpey Baseball Field as the 2010 Field of the Year and the Cinnaminson High School Dr. James Murphy, Varsity Soccer Field as runner-up. Rutgers University • Infield Equipment Demonstrations Jeff Schofield of Cinnaminson High School submitted his soccer field, even though he • Natural Turfgrass Equipment was not being 100% happy with its appearance. Despite a faulty irrigation system and Demonstrations challenges created by the summer heat, Jeff felt the field and his efforts over the past • Synthetic Field Maintenance several years warranted the submittal. Jeff admitted the field would never have survived Procedures summer environmental stresses if he had not aggressively improved the soil and turf. Dave Kuczynski, Somerset Those improvements allowed the field to rebound once the weather cooled down and County Parks his irrigation system was fixed. • Synthetic Equipment Demonstrations Jeff projected a keen 12:00 • Lunch & Vendor pass-the-mic interest in pleasing the players, the administration TD Bank Ballpark, and all who use the field. Bridgewater, NJ As the field is located at 1:15 • Sports Field Maintenance the entrance to the high Program & Challenges school, Jeff varies the Dan Purner, Head Groundskeeper, mowing patterns to make the field very attractive. • Solving Weed Problems in a When Jeff took the School Environment job as groundskeeper Brad Park, Rutgers University for Cinnaminson High 3:00 • Closing Remarks, Pesticide Baseball Field at Torpey Athletic Complex, Bridgewater, NJ: The SFMANJ Credits, and Member Meeting Continued on page 7 2010 Field of the Year

UPDATE Spring 2011 1 The tools for all your grounds maintenance needs.

Groundsmaster® 590 0

Sand Pro® 5 0 4 0 Reelmaster® 5010 Series

Workman® HD Series

® Groundsmaster 7210 TM TM Pro Force

©2010 The Toro Company. All Rights Reserved. The Toro Company. ©2010 with Polar Trac

Providing quality turf equipment since 1914. Toro is committed to creating the most durable and reliable equipment to help turf professionals work more efficiently. With a wide range of innovative, high-quality products to choose from, Toro has the right turf equipment and irrigation solution for your job. The right choice.

Storr Tractor Company, Branchburg, NJ 908-722-9830 www.storrtractor.com Steve Bradley Fred Castenschiold Kevin Hoban

Storr_Toro_Family_Ad_4_10.indd2 1 Sports Field Managers Association of New4/28/10 Jersey 10:11 AM 2011 SFMANJ Welcome! Board of Directiors Officers New and Renewed President...... Don Savard, CSFM, CGM, Salesianum School Vice President...... Fred Castenschiold, Storr Tractor Co. SFMANJ Members Secretary...... Scott Bills, CSFM Currently we have 123 new & renewed members. In January Treasurer...... Mike Viersma, The Viersma Companies 2011, SFMANJ mailed invoices for 2011 membership dues to DIRECTORS all current members. If you did not receive an invoice, please Ray Cipperly...... Middlesex County Vocational contact us at 856.514.3179 or download the membership form and Technical Schools available at www.sfmanj.org. Mail membership dues direct to Sean Connell...... Georgia Golf Construction SFMANJ, PO Box 205, Pennsville, NJ 08070. Matt Olivi ...... Piscataway Board of Education Brad Park...... Rutgers University William M Almendinger Piscataway Twp Board of Education Kevin Shipman...... Kingsway Regional High School Daniel Andrus Blair Academy Craig Tolley...... County College of Morris Jeffrey J Antoniewicz Student Rich Watson...... Pine Hills Public Schools Robert Autorino Paramus Board of Education Advisor...... Dr. James Murphy, Rutgers University Wayne T Barrett West Milford Board of Education Executive Secretary...... Debbie Savard Vincent Benenati Tenafly Board of Education Anthony T Benfield GCA Services MISSION STATEMENT Committed to enhancing the professionalism of athletic field James W Betts Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc. managers by improving the safety, playability and appearance of Bernard F Bigley, III Manasquan Board of Education athletic fields at all levels through seminars, field days, publications Walter Bijaczyk, Jr. Somerset County Park Commission and networking with those in the sports turf industry. Scott Bills CSFM Northern Nurseries Contact us at: Steve Bradley Storr Tractor Co PO Box 205 • Pennsville, NJ 08070 Paul Bruni Delaware Valley Spray Service, Inc. Web site: www.sfmanj.org Bob Buono Tri State Athletic Field Serv. & Supplies Email: [email protected] • Phone/Fax: 856-514-3179 Chris Carlson Bergen Community College National Organization Pete Caruso Levitt’s LLC Sports Turf Managers Association www.stma.org Fred Castenschiold Storr Tractor Company Email: [email protected] • Phone: 800-323-3875 James Chimento JC Landscape Construction Mgmt Ray Cipperly Somerset Patriots Baseball Club Bruce Clarke Ph.D. Rutgers University Mike Clifford Wilfred MacDonald Inside This Issue Torpey Athletic Complex Baseball Field John Coombs Coombs Sod Farms LLC Wins SFMANJ Field of the Year for 2010 ...... Cover Norman Cromwell Jr. Robbinsville Township SFMANJ Spring Field Day 2011 ...... Cover Rob Davis Leonard M Debuck Debuck’s Sod Farm of NY, Inc. New and Renewed SFMANJ Members ...... 3 Thomas Defino Fisher and Son Company 2011 Board of Directors ...... 3 Brian Delucia Piscataway Township Schools Message from the President...... 5 Bob Disko Somerset County Park Commission Grounds Care by the Athlete...... 6 Joy Dobrosky Hanson Aggregates - BMC 2010 Proud Sponsor Directory...... 8 Jeffrey Dorer Morris Hills Regional District Tournament Time, A Groundskeeper’s Account Theresa A Dunwiddie NJ Recreation and Park Association of Preparation for a Baseball Tournament...... 8 Thomas J Fik PE, CME Carroll Engineering Co. An SFMANJ Member’s Prepared Testimony Concerning New Jersey’s Proposed “Safe Playing Fields Act” . . . . 9 Bill Foelsch Morris Township Rutgers Student Recap of the Chris G Fox Red Bull New York 2011 STMA Conference and Exhibition ...... 10 Daniel Gallagher Terragreen Soluions Sports Field Irrigation Tips ...... 16 Peter Galosi Cinnaminson Board of Education Calendar of Events...... 18 Brian Gardner Tuckerton Turf Farm, Inc. Brian Gjelsvik Seeton Turf This newsletter is the official quarterly publication of the Fred Goble Washington Township Sports Field Managers Association of New Jersey. John Grande Ph.D. Rutgers University For information regarding this newsletter, contact: Jeffrey K Graydon Princeton University SFMANJ at (856) 514-3179 or Brad Park at (732) 932-9711, x127 Ken Griepentrog National Seed Editor: Brad Park, Rutgers University, Email: [email protected] Erik Hammerdahl Morris-Union Jointure Commission Layout and Design: Debra Savard, Email: [email protected] SFMANJ does not necessarily support the opinions of those reflected in the following articles. Continued on page 4 UPDATE Spring 2011 3 New and RenewedContinued fromSFMANJ page 3 Members

George Herberger Ben Shaffer & Associates, Inc. Tony Pavelec, Jr Jersey Soil Blending, LLC Steve Hesser Lawn and Golf Supply Co. Tanael Pena Morris Hills Regional District Kevin Hoban Storr Tractor Co Wes Perrine Greenpro Materials Blake Hoerr Matthew Pinkerton County College of Morris Fred Hoge Coversports USA Ted Platz Plant Food Company Gene Huelster Grass Roots Turf Products, Inc. Marie Pompei F. M. Brown’s Sons, Inc. Chris A Hustus Lenape Board of Education Daniel Purner Somerset Patriots John Inglin High Point Regional H. S. Ryan Radcliffe Lakewood Blueclaws John M Kapp West Windsor-Plainsboro Reg. School Dist Frank Ravaschiere City of Long Branch Hugh Knowlton Bergen Community College Heather Rohde Profile Products/Turface David Kuczynski Somerset County Park Commission Edmund Rohland Millville Sports Complex Thomas Langan Union County Public Works Kevin Rundstrom Rutgers University Frank Lasasso Hammonton Board of Education Michael Ryan The Landtek Group, Inc. T. J. Lawson Rutgers University Justin B Sadowski Student John Lewless Hopewell Valley Reg. School Dist. Don Savard CSFM, CGM Salesianum School Mike Linkewich Seeton Turf Michael Schmalzer Oak Knoll David Los County College of Morris Brandon Schmidt Paramus Board of Education Louis S Makrancy Makturf LLC Jeffrey Schofield Cinnaminson Board of Education Robert Manning Piscataway Twp Board of Education Michael Shanko Peddie School Loren Martin Terra-Gro, Inc. Michael Shannon Hanson Aggregates - BMC Thomas Martin Pritchard Industries, Inc. Daniel Shemesh Bill Mast Aer-Core, Inc. BilL Siegel US Athletic Fields, Inc. Ron Matakitis Delbarton School Brad Simpkins Plant Food Company Greg McCarty Moorestown Board of Education Neal D Sitzman New York Red Bulls John McKnight US Athletic Fields, Inc. Brian Stephenson Newark Academy Thomas Miller Environmental Resolutions, Inc. James “JB” Stronski Till Paint Co. Michael Mongon Sports Turf Management Systems Steven Ternosky Morris Hills Regional District Tim Moore The Lawrenceville School Steve Thompson Aer-Core, Inc. Lawrence Morgan Jr. Tuckahoe Turf Farms, Inc. Larry Toth Eric Muentener Hopewell Valley Reg School Dist. Jay Trstensky Delaware Township James A Murphy Ph.D. Rutgers University Walter Tucker Retired Dennis Myers Ranney School Peter Van Drumpt Dryject, Inc. Art Neff Village of Croton-On-Hudson George Van Haasteren CGM Dwight-Englewood School Dick Neufeld Plant Food Company BarryVansant National Seed Carl Olivi Piscataway Twp Board of Education MichaelViersma The Viersma Companies Matthew B Olivi Piscataway Twp Board of Education David J Ward Sr. Roxbury Township Eric O’Toole Student Rich Watson Pine Hill Public Schools Bradley S Park Rutgers University Bernie White Wilfred MacDonald J. Casey Parker Township of Lacey Ralph Woods Paramus Board of Education

Plan to send in your entry for SFMANJ Field of the Year Contest 2011

Among other things, the winner will also receive a stay at the Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City and free registration to the education courses and trade show at Expo 2011.

See page 14 for details

4 Sports Field Managers Association of New Jersey A Message from The President Why SFMANJ Opposes the “Safe Playing Fields Act” By Don Savard, CSFM, CGM

I was not expecting the phone call on Monday, January 31. Nancy through its notification requirements and added security against Sadlon, Executive Director, New Jersey Green Industry Council potential exposure through a mandatory reentry period. The Safe (NJGIC) called me at work with news that New Jersey State Playing Fields Act, if enacted would virtually eliminate traditional Senate Bill S.2610, the so-called “Safe Playing Fields Act”, was pesticide use; applications that are already subject to a well- moving through committee. This Bill, if enacted into law would defined, well-regulated protocol in Schools. ban the use of lawn care pesticides on sports fields in New Jersey ,unless the application can be justified as an emergency Economic Realities - A carefully planned, conventional response to an immediate threat to human health. Because pesticide application, in full-compliance with US EPA registered we are an organization of sports field managers and would be pesticide label requirements and NJ School IPM rules can provide directly affected by the outcome should this Bill pass into law, Ms. maximum cost benefits. The application of conventional pesticide Sadlon requested the help of Sports Field Managers Association can be used to solve turf health problems quickly and effectively. of New Jersey (SFMANJ). Taking no action or using less-effective products may result in field loss, subsequent costly field replacement and a substantial Over the past 5 years, SFMANJ has tried to remain apolitical. Our loss of field space for use by children and parents. If we do not mission is and has always been enhancing the professionalism protect sports field surfaces from natural or manmade damage, of athletic field managers. Our primary goals include improving we risk having to spend considerable taxpayer money to replace safety, playability, and appearance of athletic fields at all levels. or repair sports field damage caused by pests. Currently, many Since our inception in 2000, SFMANJ members have had the New Jersey Schools and municipalities are cutting expenses opportunity to achieve these goals through seminars, field by eliminating positions and programs. This is not the time to days, publications, and networking with those in the sports turf remove tools from the toolbox. industry. After some thought and discussion, the SFMANJ Board of Directors agreed to lend our support to NJGIC in opposing The NJGIC is a very effective watchdog group looking out for this Bill. I would like to share with you our reasons. the interests of New Jersey’s Green Industry. As previously mentioned, NJGIC alerted SFMANJ to this bill and has asked for Safety - The goal of sports field management is to provide comments and participation from our Association. In contrast, a safe and playable surface. Sports Field Managers Association those organizations supporting and lobbying for the passage of New Jersey has always been an advocate of good cultural of this Bill have not reached-out to SFMANJ for our opinion management and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) on sports on this Bill; our Association being the leading Industry trade fields. We also acknowledge that the careful, restrained use of organization representing sports field managers in New Jersey. pesticides can be a component of a site-specific sports field Without the efforts of NJGIC, issues affecting our Industry (and management plan. Sports fields are subjected to many stresses- our livelihoods) could go forward in Trenton with upsetting some made by people, some are caused by nature. Sports field results. The NJGIC has asked for our support, and SFMANJ has managers are expected (by the people we serve) to do everything stepped-up. Several of our members have attended meetings possible to keep sports fields safe and playable. In order to meet with legislators, written letters and testified at hearings. At the these expectations, we need all of the tools available to get the March 2, 2011 SFMANJ Board of Directors meeting, our Board job done – including conventional pesticide products. If the Safe agreed unanimously to make a $1,000 contribution to NJGIC Playing Fields Act is enacted, some of our most effective tools with the stipulation that the contribution be used to help offset will be taken away. operating expenses.

New Jersey School IPM Law - New Jersey already has In the end, our endeavor is to continue to create the safest in-place a School IPM Law. Should the use of a non-low impact playing conditions for all of New Jersey’s sports field users. pesticide become necessary, there is a well-defined protocol that must be followed before such a product can be used. The current Law requires having an IPM coordinator and IPM plan, NJ DEP Category 13 pesticide licensing, 72 hour notification, preferential use of low impact pesticides, 7-hour reentry period, Don Savard is a Certified Sports Field (CSFM) and and stringent record keeping. Applying a traditional pesticide in Certified Grounds Manager (CGM); Director, Athletic Facilities accordance with the NJ School IPM Law provides transparency and Grounds, Salesianum School; and President, SFMANJ.

UPDATE Spring 2011 5 Grounds Care by the Athlete

By James Cornelius, CSFM

Education is the root of world. We now grounds maintenance as part of their education and athletic experience on our sites. Instead have computers that spell check our of coming to work with built up frustration, we now come to execute a task. We finish what work - long gone are the dictionaries, was started. We plant seeds, not only turfgrass seed but educational seeds. We now work encyclopedias and all those research outside the box on most occasions. manuals. The world of robotics has replaced human hands in many aspects We still only have five employed in the athletic field maintenance department yet our team of the manufacturing world. Yet when it has grown to more than we expected. The best part is the majority of the athletes work comes to grounds/athletic field care, you for the ability to use our facilities. Puzzled, are you? Here is how we do it and how we got still find that some of the best ways are to this part of our journey. the traditional ways (human power with manual tools). Yes, we have machines that With our frustration at an all time high, the district was renovating two high schools and help with the larger tasks and we use building a third. Our athletic field numbers were growing, yet the staff count was not. these as tools the way they were meant It became time to turn things around. The district soon realized that with the athletic to be used; and sometimes in ways the numbers growing and the dollars being spent needing to be protected, they formed manufacturers never intended. Yet in few a committee of administrators, teachers, students, public representatives, facility staff places have machines replaced human and many others to work on developing an Athletic Strategic Plan for the High School power to provide the athletic facilities to Athletic program. Nothing was overlooked. They covered everything from student the high degree of quality that we can. By safety and conduct to maintenance of the fields, indoor athletic facilities, etc. Having and large, the industry has not changed the privileged to be part of this committee and a voice of concern, we were able to all that much, even though we have a institute an evaluation tool that we revised from information generated by Dr. Dr. Dave better selection of turfgrasses, artificial Minner at Iowa State University and many others Sports Turf Managers Association surfacing, soil analysis, topdressings, (STMA) and Keystone Athletic Field Managers Organization (KAFMO). We developed a research materials, soil amendments, etc. to aide us in meeting the challenge Continued on page 15 we face every day: To provide better and safer facilities with aesthetics that are second to none.

Looking back, things have changed. Teams rarely bring out the big water jug, now replaced with individual water bottles that need recycling cans to collect them all. Most seem to find the ground long before being placed in the proper can. Trash is prolific and seems to multiply over night; still the trash can remains in- place. The holes on the mound, around home plate, in the infield, as well as the outfield become larger, deeper and if ignored, will continue to grow to mammoth size. The grass continues to grow and we struggle to keep it mowed at an acceptable height, all the while continuing to feed it with fertilizers, topdressings and additional seed to grow more grass. At this rate, frustration can set in quickly and if not dealt with in a manner that becomes positive, can lead to running oneself out of a job, or working in an endless circle that never changes much like being jobless and not looking for one.

At last there is hope. We have opened our ears and instituted a different approach to our problems. We now have athletes doing

6 Sports Field Managers Association of New Jersey Athletic Complex TORPEY Baseball Field Wins SFMANJ Field of the Year for 2010 Continued from page 1

School, he admittedly didn’t have much experience. However, as most successful sports field managers do, Jeff enlisted the help of local turf experts. Jeff took advantage of many educational opportunities to continue learning about sports field and turf management.

Director of Facilities, Peter Galosi, praised Jeff for his efforts and accompanied him to the annual meeting to accept his award as 2010 Field of the Year runner up.

Head Groundskeeper, David Kuscynski, through tireless dedication, has transformed the Torpey Athletic Complex Baseball Field into one the best in the state. Despite many constraints maintaining a public park, David has found a way to improve both the safety and playability of the fields. In addition to one lighted baseball field and one lighted softball field, the Torpey Complex now has a lighted all-purpose synthetic field. From April until late October, the ballfields are in use 7 days a week, sometimes hosting 3-4 games or practices.

Dave began his sports field career as an employee of the Somerset Patriots and credits both Ray Cipperly and Dan Purner with helping him hone his skills. While at TD Bank Ballpark, Dave learned both pre-game and post-game maintenance techniques. Dave has brought those skills to the Torpey baseball field. Visit our web site: Unlike many groundskeepers, Dave performs much of the infield grooming by hand. After every game or practice, he makes sure all displaced infield mix is swept out of the sfmanj.org grass. He also varies his grooming patterns on a weekly basis to prevent lip build up.

In the past two years, Dave has re-built the pitcher’s mound with clay, amended the existing infield mix and re-sodded areas along the infield. Perhaps the most impressive improvement is in the outfield. When Dave took over the complex, the outfield turf was thin and choppy. Through improved cultural practices, consistent overseeding and a comprehensive fertility program the turf is now thick and attractive. Dave varies the cutting height based on the time of year and scheduled usage.

SFMANJ would like to congratulate Dave and the Somerset County Park Commission for being the 2010 Field of the Year winner.

In recognition of this honor, SFMANJ is holding a Spring Field Day at Torpey Athletic Complex on April 20, 2011. During the morning we will tour the facility and have Dave provide some insight as to his secrets, including a hands-on clinic covering pre and post-game field maintenance. The day will continue with a tour of the TD Bank Ballpark, Bridgewater, NJ, home of the Somerset Patriots Atlantic League baseball team. We will tour the field with head groundskeeper, Dan Purner, plus have an educational session for pesticide credits.

Look for more information in this issue of SFMANJ Update on the front cover and at www.sfmanj.org.

Scott Bills, CSFM is Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM); and Secretary, SFMANJ Board of Directors

UPDATE Spring 2011 7 2011 Proud Sponsor Directory STORR TRACTOR COMPANY HY-TECH MUSHROOM COMPOST, INC. Turf, Irrigation and Ballfield Equipment Pasteurized Mushroom Compost Is The Ideal Amendment Sales - Fred Castenschiold, To Add Organic Matter To Soils, Build Up The Soil Flora, Reduce Traffic Kevin Hoban, Steve Bradley Stress, Compaction Problems And The Need For Fertilizer 3191 Highway 22 Somerville, NJ 08876 Lisa Van Houten • 610-331-1849 908-722-9830 Fax: 908-722-9847 Request-A-Quote at www.Hy-TechMushroomCompost.com

BEN SHAFFER & ASSOCIATES, INC. Quality and Value Since 1921 Sport Goals, Netting, Bleachers Fence Topping and Much More www.benshaffer.com 1-800-953-2021

PUT YOUR AD HERE: To become a Proud Sponsor Call: 856-514-3179 $150 for one year

T URNAMENT TIME A Groundskeeper’s Account of Preparation for a Baseball Tournament by Rich Watson Editor’s Note: This article 1st appeared in the July/August 2006 edition of SFMANJ Update

Hosting a tournament is a lot of work, however it is a good opportunity infield was cut in two directions at 1½-inch every other day. We use an to showcase your facility. There will be people seeing your field for Exmark Lazer Zero Turn mower (with a striping kit) to cut our outfield the first time, so make them remember it for the right reasons. We and an Exmark walk-behind mower for the infield. Sharp blades are were informed this year that we would be one of three sites hosting very important, so we change them at least once a week. the 33rd Annual Joe Hartman Diamond Classic. The tournament brings The week of the tournament was very challenging. We had two games together the top 16 baseball teams in South Jersey. On May 13, 2006 of our own in addition to the final prep for the big games. The day be- Overbrook High School hosted two games, but the preparation started fore the tournament is very important. We tried to do as many things weeks earlier. as possible to make game day a little easier. Bullpen mounds were re- The call informing us about the tournament came in mid-April, so we paired, extra bleachers were moved, trash cans emptied, the infield was had a good amount of time to prepare. First, we checked our baseball edged, and a sound check was done on the sound system. We made team’s schedule for possible conflicts. Next was to check our field final cuts on the infield and outfield because there is no time the day maintenance program. As luck would have it, a fertilizer application was of the games. Our mound and home plate areas are made of Hilltop- scheduled the week before the tournament as well as spraying Roundup per mound clay. Both areas were repaired and covered. The infield was on our skinned areas. Timing is everything. The grass looked great and scarified, graded smooth, and then lightly rolled. The automatic irriga- our skinned areas were free of weeds. tion system was used to wet down the infield at night, setting the stage for game day. With two weeks to go, we started cutting-in our pattern for the games. We cut the outfield in three directions at 2 inches every other day. The Continued on page 18

8 Sports Field Managers Association of New Jersey An SFMANJ Member’s Prepared Testimony Concerning New Jersey’s Proposed “Safe Playing Fields Act” The following was prepared and read by Rich Watson, Grounds Supervisor, Pine Hill Public Schools and SFMANJ Board of Directors, at the New Jersey State Assembly Environmental and Solid Waste Committee Hearing in Trenton, NJ on Thursday, February 10, 2011.

Good afternoon ladies and gentleman.

My name is Rich Watson. I am the Grounds Supervisor for the mowing height, aeration, fertility with soil testing, seeding during Pine Hill School District in Southern New Jersey. It is a privilege our sports seasons, and proper irrigation. These are the building for me to be here. The issue of safe playing fields is an important blocks for our fields. issue to all of us here today. It is important to me because I have three daughters, two of which play sports. One daughter plays I know by now you are wondering how we deal with pest issues. on fields that have little or no maintenance performed on them, In a school district costs are always a concern. Our supply budget while the other plays on well maintained fields. Both sites are has been cut and most likely will not be going up any time soon. considered sports fields. One is safe the other is not. The unsafe The cost for our pest control on our athletic fields this year was field is at a local school and it amazes me that they let kids play $1,425. That included three granular applications and two spray on it. The other field is a municipal field. It is well maintained and applications. Just for the record, one application was made during plays great. This is where the real safety issues on sports fields Spring break with notification and the others were all made are. Pesticides didn’t cause one field to be unsafe and the other during the summer also with notification. No children were on safe. They are a small part of a complete turf program that is the the property at the time of applications and fields were closed key to safe fields. until the re-entry period had expired. All applications were made because the pest threshold set in our IPM program had been I am here today to talk about our sports turf program in Pine exceeded. Before these applications were made, we considered Hill. If you pull up to any of our buildings you will be disappointed other low-impact /biological options. I understand there is a lot in the condition of our grass. These lawns are covered with of talk about alternatives to chemical lawn management that weeds and crabgrass. We as a district are ok with that. Our kids work and are cost effective. I don’t think we are there yet. I think who compete in athletics or take part in gym class play on well we need to compare apples to apples. Corn gluten for example, maintained natural turf playing surfaces. Together we have decided is an accepted organic weed control product. Corn gluten costs to put our focus where the kids actually play and compete. We $29.95 per bag and covers 1,000 square ft. (at the lowest rate) have a 40 year old facility that is in need of cosmetic attention, The average football field is 66,000 square ft. In order to apply but we have some of the best playing fields in NJ. So, how did pre-emergent weed control for this field, it will cost $1,976.70 we do it? for 66 bags. That is one application on one field at the products lowest rate. That is not cost effective in my book. The development of a Sports Turf IPM program took shape. We have taken the guidelines set up by the School IPM Law Nematodes have been suggested to replace insecticides. I have and fit our sports turf program inside. It was not easy at first. I never used them, but I understand that they are difficult to work struggled with the additional notifications and had doubts about with, since they are a living organism. The cost for nematodes if it would work at all. It took a lot of hard work, but over time is $200 per acre plus shipping. Compared to Merit at less than we developed a program that not only worked, it exceeded my $100 per acre, there really is no cost comparison. If I believed expectations. Here is how we did it. that nematodes would work in large scale applications, I would consider trying them. However, the cost and Dr. Koppenhoffer The first thing was to develop a field history for each individual of Rutgers recommendation that they are not a good choice for field. Then problem areas were identified and pest thresholds sports fields has steered me away from them. I am not against were set. Next, we took a look at what had been done in any of these or other organic products. I just don’t feel at this the past to determine what worked and what needed to be time with the current budget crisis and lack of unbiased research, changed. What we discovered was that cultural practices are the we can use these products. Hopefully in the future the cost will backbone of our turf program. They include: Mowing frequency/ come down in price and there will be a realistic way to use them in large scale applications. Continued on page 12

UPDATE Spring 2011 9 RUTGERS STUDENT RECAP.... By Justin Sadowski and Jeffrey Antoniewicz

First of all, we would like to thank Sports Turf Managers Asso- was important to us. It was a great thing to see them take an ciation (STMA), Sports Field Managers Association of New Jer- interest in each of us. sey (SFMANJ), Rutgers University, and the Rutgers Turf Club for making our trip to Austin, TX possible. Without these support- The trade show was interesting. In size, it was not as large as ers, we would not have had such an opportunity. some other trade shows, but we feel like this was an advantage to the students. The vendors at STMA were very willing to talk The STMA Conference in Austin was one of the most incredible to us at all times, gauging our interests. They did not seem to experiences of our lives. We came down to participate in the care whether we were currently in a position to purchase their Student Challenge, attend the trade show, and hopefully meet products; rather they were interested in what we were look- and talk to some of the best in the business. We left with a feeling ing to do, and were very enthusiastic in answering all of our of satisfaction and reassurance that we wanted to be a part of questions. Having a slightly smaller trade show allowed for more the sports turf industry during our careers. personal contact for all.

We were given a personal tour of the Toro booth on the trade show floor where we were introduced to new and innovative products that the Toro Company has to offer. This included, but was not limited to their computer control systems, mowers, utility equipment, and sprayer technologies.

We sat-in on Weather 101 with Brad Jakubowski for a half hour before attending a series of three student sessions. The talks directed towards student attend- ees were great. The first was, “So You Want to be an NFL Sports Field Manager?” with Mr. Darian Daily, Head Groundskeeper for the Cincinnati Bengals. The second talk was “Field Maintenance is Only a Third of Your Job” delivered by Ms. Amy Fouty, CSFM, and Di- rector of Grounds at Michigan State. The final session was “25 Years as a Sports Turf Manager - What I Wish I Had Known” from Bob Campbell, CSFM, and former Director of Grounds for the University of Tennessee. These three unique talks all focused on different chal- lenges posed sports field managers, but the underlying theme was the important of family and maintaining a The Rutgers Student Challenge Participants received a tour of the Toro Booth during the trade healthy relationship with family and friends outside of show at STMA in Austin, TX. (l-r) Jeff Antoniewicz, Eric O’Toole, Kevin Rundstrom, and Justin the workplace. Sadowski, Rutgers Undergraduate Students; Brad Park, Rutgers and Editor, SFMANJ Update; Jill Dunning-Harris, The Toro Company; Jim Heinze, The Toro Company. The awards banquet was a night to remember. We could all feel the vibe and unity of STMA within the The first day was a day to get acclimated. In the convention cen- walls of the banquet hall. Each award winner, regardless of the ter, there was a meet-and-greet for students, where the proctor award, had a lot of pride and prestige. Our favorite part of the asked us some questions, and then students participated in an banquet was the slide show at the end. We thought that we were open-floor discussion on various topics, ranging from turf man- going to see pictures of groundskeepers and sports field manag- agement techniques to simply talking about our individual goals. ers in action. Instead, it was a compilation of photos of sports field managers and their families, nailing home the main message One aspect that separates this conference from most other con- that no matter what we decide to do in life, we need to make ferences was the STMA members at the welcoming dinner who time for our families and friends. We thought this was a great talked with us students. These people welcomed us, asked us a message for students, and was a great ending to a phenomenal little bit about ourselves, and asked us if there was anyone in conference. We cannot wait to attend the 2012 STMA Confer- particular that we wanted to meet. We thought this was one of ence in Long Beach, California. the more unique portions because it gave students a network- ing opportunity that some of us have never had. Just having a chance to talk with some of these STMA members was reward- Justin Sadowski and Jeffrey Antoniewicz are Rutgers undergraduate ing because they offered us advice and wanted to know what students; participants in the 2011 STMA Student Challenge; and Student Members, SFMANJ

10 Sports Field Managers Association of New Jersey STMA Conference OF T2011HE and Exhibition January 11-15, 2010, Austin, Texas

UPDATE Spring 2011 11 Dr. Henry W. Indyk Graduate Fellowship in Turfgrass Science

As many of you know, the turfgrass industry lost a dear friend and colleague in September Fertilizers/Seed 2005. We will all miss Henry very much and would like to insure that his legacy lives on. Plant-Protectants The Indyk family would like to establish a memorial fellowship to support graduate students interested in applied turfgrass science. This fellowship is being created to help assure that Soils/Sands tomorrow’s graduate students have the financial resources to get an advanced degree in turfgrass science at Rutgers University. To fund a full graduate assistantship each year in Henry’s name, we will need to raise a total of $400,000. Your generous support at this time will bring us closer to reaching this goal. The Turf Trade To make a tax-deductible contribution today, please send a check payable to the Rutgers 517 Franklinville Road University Foundation, 7 College Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. Be sure to indicate “Indyk Mullica Hill, NJ 08062 Fellowship, Turfgrass” in the memo portion of your check. If you desire, you may provide a donation in the form of a pledge payable over several years. For information on other ways to support this fellowship, please contact 856-478-6704 Dr. Bruce B. Clarke, Director – Rutgers Center for Turfgrass Science Alan Phillips 609-226-9303 (732) 932-9400, ext. 331; or [email protected] or Steven Segui 302-354-7209 John Pearson, Director of Leadership Gifts at the Foundation, by calling Michael Nicotra 856-472-2733 (732) 932-7899 or email: [email protected] www.theturftrade.com

Continued from page 9 An SFMANJ Member’s Prepared Testimony Concerning New Jersey’s Proposed “Safe Playing Fields Act”

The bottom line is we run a well rounded turf program in Pine of our pesticide program, but rather because the mayor and Hill. It is not a pesticide program. The charge that schools are council trust our judgment and respect our work. We in return, needlessly using lawn pesticides does not apply in our district. want to bring safe playing fields to the youngest athletes in Pine Synthetic pesticides are a very small part of our sports turf Hill also. program. They are the last line of defense for the sports turf manager to keep their fields safe for the children using them. In closing, I would like to thank the committee again for allowing I know that weeds, insects, and fungi are not threats to human me to give you a hands on look at what is going on in sports turf life. But, left unchecked they can be a considerable safety risk management. Safe playing fields should be the goal for everyone. to the very children that are being protected by this proposed It is my hope that there can be some common ground found legislation. in regards to the judicious use of pesticides on sports fields. At this time I don’t think the Safe Playing Fields Act will make our I have been maintaining the athletic fields at Overbrook High playing fields safer. Right now in NJ, there are many school and School for over 20 years now. In 2009 the Philadelphia Inquirer municipal fields in desperate need of renovation. I don’t want to named our football field “The Best in South Jersey”. I am very see more join this list. Please think carefully before considering proud of the progress that we have made. Our IPM program has this legislation. worked so well that the Borough of Pine Hill has enlisted our help in turning around their municipal fields. This is not because Rich Watson is Grounds Supervisor, Pine Hill Public Schools; and a Member of the SFMANJ Board of Directors.

12 Sports Field Managers Association of New Jersey UPDATE Spring 2011 13 STMA ads_Layout 1 8/24/10 9:25 AM Page 2

Time to CoverSports FieldSaver® Re-Register NJ State League of Winter Turf BlankMunicipalitiesets/Grow Conferenceth Covers! for 2011 November 16-19, 2010 Invoices have been sent. AtlanticPr oCitytec Conventiont turf from Center Winter con609.695.3481ditions! Promote faster Be sure we have your Spwww.njslom.orgring growth and green-up! email address New“T Jerseyhe res uGltreens we rEexpo inc redible!...” December 7-9,Pa u2010l Heron, Grounds Supervisor so we can let you know Turf Blankets for soccer and other fields NJ TurfgrassUnionville- Assoc.Chadds Ford School District, PA about SFMANJ special Trunp Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, NJ FieldSaver® is a longer lasting bl973.812.6467anket- 8 Year Limited Warranty activities between www.njturfgrass.org • Heavy 100% woven polypro fabric newsletters. • Reinforced hems and grommets all edges Football Field STMA Annual Conference January 11-15, 2011 Sports Turf Mgrs. Assoc. Austin, TX Grommets at 5’ intervals New yellow safety stakes1-800-323-3875 available Special offers Owww.stma.orgNLY at www.CoverSports.com/SFMANJ For price quotes, sizes and fabric specs, In Philadelphia Since 1874 visit www.Cov erSports.com/SFMANJ [email protected] • 800-445-6680 We make covers for all athletic surfaces: Rain Covers, Sideline Tarps, Track Protectors

SFMANJ Field of the1/3 p aYearge-SFMA NContestJ 2011 ELIGIBILITY: AWARDS: • Must be a current member of SFMANJ The winner will be honored with a plaque at the New Jersey Turfgrass • Only school and parks/recreation fields are eligible and Landscape Conference & Expo in December 2011 and will be • Must be a natural grass field/fields featured in an article in SFMANJ’s Update newsletter. Award will be based on: The winner will also receive a stay at the Trump Taj • Playability and appearance of the playing surfaces Mahal, Atlantic City and free registration to education • Description of your maintenance program and what you did to courses and trade show at Expo 2011. improve your field • Description of your yearly budget for this field SUBMITTING YOUR ENTRY: • (Sports groups may be used in your photos) • All entries are to be submitted by mail or e-mail and must be received by September 30, 2011. • Entries are limited to 10 color photos. Please include the name, location and owner of the facility, along with your name, position, and contact number. Mail Entries to: SFMANJ 2011 F.O.Y. Contest P.O. Box 205, Pennsville, NJ 08070 OR E-mail to: Call for more info: [email protected] 856-514-3179 website: sfmanj.org / e-mail: [email protected] Sommerset County Parks Commission, Torpey Field SFMANJ’s Field of the Year 2010 Photos will not be returned and may be used on SFMANJ website and promotional settings

14 Sports Field Managers Association of New Jersey GROUNDS CARE BY THE ATHLETE Continued from page 6 communication tool using Red, Green and Yellow flags for each liked the fact that we weren’t asking them. The coaches liked of our fields along with updated emails of field conditions as they that we asked the students to participate in helping us out. Our changed in status from one flag color to another. We established promise to them was simple: Help us out with a few small items and implemented a more meaningful facility use policy for both (filling holes after practice, using divot mix on the turf where outside and inside venues. We limited the amount of use by needed, spreading some seed in the goal mouths before practice, outside organizations on our high school athletic facilities so etc) and we would provide them with game day facilities each day that we could reduce wear and minimize traffic to where we they took the field. The first season was about 70% participation could manage the turf to maintain top quality facilities. Lastly, we from the middle school teams. Once the other coaches saw that developed and implemented rules and guidelines for all users; some fields were exceptional, they quickly realized that they this included that all users be taught how to help in maintaining too needed to work along with us. As we went into the second our facilities. season, the students began asking when we were coming to meet with them. This progressed to the point where they email All of the items incorporated into the Athletic Strategic Plan are us when they need seed, or if a rake or shovel is missing from important and meaningful, yet the one we embraced was the its place. last one. Teaching our users was, and still is, huge. Never in my dreams did I think that we could get users/athletes to help in Each season brings something new. We now teach our outside maintaining the fields. In the past, most groups expected the best, users by holding mandatory training sessions. All coaches must yet would rarely help out. Every once in a while we would have attend prior to their group being issued their permit which a group dump dirt (yes, dirt; not topsoil, topdressing or soil) in a allows them to use our facilities. We began holding these in the goal mouth and kick it around, sprinkle some cheap seed, and call spring and quickly realized that with the unpredictable spring it “helping us out” or “doing our job”. weather in Pennsylvania, one-fourth of the spring season was over before we got everyone trained. Now we hold them in We actually began meeting with the Middle School teams as they late-October when we are putting our fields to rest for the were more receptive to what we wanted to do. The coaches upcoming winter; this allows us to be more aggressive with our Continued on page 17 #1 Conditioner On America’s Most Playable Fields

Visit www.turface.com to find: NEW Heritage Red Training and field maintenance tips

For Product and Distributor Info: 800-207-6457 Or visit www.turface.com UPDATE Spring 2011 15 Sports Field Irrigation Tips By Kurt Marrone

When constructing an irrigation system for a sports field, whether it having matched precipitation. A full circle head takes four times as long is football, soccer, or baseball, there are four steps that need to be fol- to cover an area as opposed to a quarter (1/4) circle. A full circle head lowed to insure proper coverage. will have a larger nozzle than that of a part circle head.

Step 1: Get your Flow. Depending on the water source, you will Step 3: Zone the system. The amount of heads per zone is deter- need to determine the available gallons per minute (GPM) and at what mined by the size of the nozzles that were chosen in Step 2. A good pressure (pounds per square inch (PSI)) the water flows. If the source rule of thumb is to not exceed more that 75% of the available flow. If the is city water you can contact the local municipal utilities authority to available flow is 100 GPM, then design each zone to use 75 GPM. This determine your flow. If the water source is a well, you will have to allows for fluctuations in the water supply. Layout your zones keeping contact the well driller. Once the available water flow is determined, in mind any environmental concerns. Examples include zones that are in a series of pressure reductions will follow. All appliances (zone valves, shaded or low lying areas that might collect water. back flows, etc.) will have a predetermined friction loss that must be deducted from the available flow. The resulting flow number will now Step 4: Choose your pipe wisely: The goal in this step is to flow the be used to calculate the number and size of each head as well as the water to the heads as efficiently as possible. The job specifications will spacing between them. All major producers will supply flow charts for dictate what type of pipe to use in the system; however, it is your re- each respective head. sponsibility to choose the proper size. In the back of most irrigation specification books you will find pipe flow charts. Use these charts to Step2: Layout your system. Now that we know what sprinkler head choose the appropriate pipe size while taking into consideration the to use and how far to space them apart, we can layout our system. Dis- amount of flow required by each zone. Larger pipe will be gradually be tance and spacing information comes from the sprinkler manufacturers adapted down in size depending on how many heads are being fed. specifications. An example of this might be that a certain head will spray 50 feet at 50 PSI flowing 14 GPM but may only spray 45 feet at 45 PSI. These four steps will serve as a good foundation in building an efficient You must choose the appropriate head from the manufacturers catalog sports field irrigation system. For more information contact your local based on your available flow. Remember that each head should cover dealer. the next head (i.e. head to head coverage). The next step in layout is Kurt Marrone is President, Lawn Sprinkler Services LLC, Margate, NJ

Jeffery Antoniewicz, Rutgers Undergradu- ate Student (l) was awarded the 2010 SFMANJ Rutgers Student Scholarship by Don Savard, CSFM, CGM and President, Save the date . . . SFMANJ (r) as part of the Rutgers Turf- SFMANJ SPRING FIELD DAY grass Student Awards Banquet on Rutgers Wednesday, April 20, 2011 Cook Campus on November 6, 2010. Torpey Athletic Complex and TD Bank Ballpark • Bridgewater, NJ.

16 Sports Field Managers Association of New Jersey Grounds Care by the Athlete Continued from page 15 training. Each team member participates in one or more stations seed, and infield mix - all materials that we provide so we control that we have set-up. We begin with a brief explanation of why we the materials used. All of this had initial costs (nothing is free); hold the training classes, dealing with trash at all our facilities and however, we quickly recovered these costs by saving man hours. what responsibilities they have regarding trash, how to maintain We purchased tools for each field, buckets for divot and seed the player bench and spectator areas, and lastly the care of our mix for each field, tarps for each home plate and mound area, fence. Depending on how many are present, we either divide and batter box jigs that the crew made for each baseball and them up to the different stations or we work as a group from softball field. We had metal storage boxes constructed to hold one to another. Our stations are natural turf areas where we materials, hoses, quick dry materials, and many other minor explain using a field within a field, repairing divots with provided things for teams to maintain the fields at no cost to the teams. divot mix that we keep at each natural turf field, grass seed for Ironically, some of the groups have bought extra rakes, booms, the goal mouths and center of the field that we also keep on site; hoses, tank sprayers for wetting down the mounds, bags for on to infields we have pitcher’s mound care, repair and covering trash, and have finally taken an ownership in our facilities. A win- with provided tarp, home plate care and repair, base path care win for all involved! and how each of the provided tools are used, and how to deal with water puddles, wet infields, etc. We show them how we So, when your frustration level reaches an all time high/low, look take care of these areas and allow them the opportunity to show around at the resources available and don’t turn the help away. us a different way, try our way, and we answer many questions Turn them around to be a team mate. In the end, the children and that they come up. the athletes are winners, no matter the outcome of the game; provided the game can go on. Some organizations have committed 100% to our efforts while others have exceeded our expectations. We now have groups James Cornelius, CSFM is Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM); Formerly willing to mow fields (following our guidelines), handle the Buildings & Grounds Supervisor, West Chester Area School District, West irrigation responsibilities (again, following our guidelines), provide Chester, PA; Currently Services Manager, Fisher & Son, Inc.; and member of manpower and equipment to help apply topdressing, turfgrass Keystone Athletic Field Managers Organization (KAFMO).

EVERGREEN™ Turf Blankets...... trusted around the world! “Results Outstanding..., Could Not Believe...” wrote Dann Daly, Park Maintenance Supervisor,

Parks & Recr. Dept., North Smithfield, RI Inc. • Earlier spring green-up • Ideal winter blanket

Covermaster • Faster seed germination • 3, 7 & 10 yr. warranty covers 1,

201 • Deeper root development • Best for quick turf repairs © • Delays dormancy in fall • Available in any size EXCESS HEAT ESCAPES AIR, THROUGH THE Want to know more? WATER PATENTED AND HEAT VENTING CALL TOLL FREE PENETRATE SYSTEM THE COVER, 1- 800-387-5808 WARMING THE SOIL

TM INCREASES ROOT DEVELOPMENT Covers for football and soccer Covered... Uncovered... It works on the greenhouse prin- fields are also readily available. ciple, every time! MEMBER covermaster.com MASTERS IN THE ART OF SPORTS SURFACE COVERS E-MAIL: [email protected] COVERMASTER INC., 100 WESTMORE DR. 11-D, REXDALE, ON, M9V 5C3 TEL 416-745-1811 FAX 416-742-6837

UPDATE Spring 2011 17 Tournament Time . . . Continued from page 8 When the day of the tournament finally arrives, it’s payday for all of the hard work. The day started 2011 with a light dragging of the infield, followed by another good soaking of the skinned areas. Next, CALENDAR OF foul lines and batters boxes were painted and chalked. At the last minute we decided to stencil EVENTS the name of the tournament and the team names on the grass behind home plate. This was a nice touch that the teams and fans really seemed to appreciate. Finally, we painted the bases, pitching SFMANJ Spring Field Day rubber, and home plate. It was game time. Torpey Athletic Complex & The tournament was a great success. In between games we repaired the mound and plate, TD Bank Ballpark smoothed the infield with stiff drags, and touched up the chalk and paint. We wanted to make Bridgewater, NJ sure the second game played the same as the first. The coaches, players, and fans were very com- April 20, 2011 plimentary about our facility. That makes all the hard work worth it. 302.514.3179 Putting together the maintenance end of a baseball tournament takes a lot of planning and hard www.sfmanj.org work from a lot of people. My crew of Greg Bunting, Tom Crosby, and Kevin Shipman [now Sports Field Manager, Kingsway Regional School District and SFMANJ Board Member] were outstanding. Rutgers Turfgrass Research Golf Classic Their professionalism and hard work really showed in the playing condition of the field. Also, I Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club would like to thank Dave Lalena of Philadelphia Turf [Philadelphia Turf is now Turf Equipment & May 2, 2011 Supply] for letting us use a Toro Workman with a Rahn groomer and a Toro Groundsmaster 3505d NJ Turfgrass Assoc. for the tournament. 973.812.6467 Tournament time is an opportunity to show off your field, while giving the teams a fair, competi- www.njturfgrass.org tive surface to play on. If you get the chance, step up to the plate and be remembered for the right reasons. Rutgers Turfgrass Research Field Days Rich Watson is Grounds Supervisor, Pine Hill Public Schools, Pine Hill, NJ; and a member of the Golf & Fine Turf SFMANJ Board of Directors Rutgers Hort Farm II – North Brunswick, NJ July 26, 2011 Lawn, Landscape, Sports Turf with SFMANJ-sponsored Equipment Demos Rutgers Adelphia Farm – Adelphia, NJ July 27, 2011 NJ Turfgrass Assoc. 973.812.6467 www.njturfgrass.org

New Jersey Green Expo December 6-8, 2011 NJ Turfgrass Assoc. Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, NJ 973.812.6467 www.njturfgrass.org

STMA Annual Conference January 10-14, 2012 Sports Turf Mgrs. Assoc. Long Beach, CA 1-800-323-3875 www.stma.org

18 Sports Field Managers Association of New Jersey Steele Field at Stadium; Home of the UCLA Bruins, Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Brad Park, November 2010

Inside (Inner; 1 3/16 miles) and outside (Widener; 1 5/16 miles) Turf Course at Belmont Park, Elmont, NY. Photo by Brad Park, May 2010 UPDATE Spring 2011 19 Standard Mail U. S. Postage PAID

Pennsville, NJ 08070 Permit No. 3 P.O. Box 205 Pennsville, NJ 08070

Or Current Occupant

Experts on the Field, Partners in the Game.

20 Sports Field Managers Association of New Jersey